Robertson returns to Anfield as Liverpool face Tottenham in League Cup

Andrew Robertson will return to Anfield in a Tottenham shirt on Tuesday when Liverpool host the Spurs in the third round of the League Cup, also known as the EFL Cup.

The former Liverpool defender faces a side under pressure after the Reds were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw by Fulham on Saturday. Tottenham arrive in similarly uncertain form after being held to the same score by Everton.

Liverpool remain unbeaten this season, but their lack of attacking threat at Fulham was a concern. Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch again struggled to influence the match, leaving the midfield as a major area of concern for manager Andoni Iraola.

Liverpool have taken six points from 12 in the Premier League and are seventh in the table. Their most impressive performance came in a 2-1 Champions League victory over Atletico de Madrid on 9 September.

That remains Liverpool’s only win in three home matches this season. At Anfield, they have scored four goals and conceded three. Although Iraola’s main priorities are the Champions League and Premier League, Liverpool will be targeting a record 11th League Cup title.

Tottenham’s difficult start

Tottenham have lost two and drawn two of their opening four Premier League matches in 2026-2027. They are yet to score in the competition, giving them the worst attacking start in the club’s history.

Despite spending nearly £350m during the summer, Roberto De Zerbi’s team sit 17th with two points. Their opening fixtures have been against Brentford, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Everton.

Recent meetings with Liverpool have also favoured the hosts. Tottenham have won only two of their past 20 matches against the Reds, losing 14.

Liverpool are expected to make significant changes after the physical demands of the Fulham match. Trey Nyoni could start in midfield alongside Alexis Mac Allister, with Lewis Koumas operating as the number 10. Cody Gakpo is likely to lead the attack, while Wataru Endo could make his first appearance of the season, potentially in central defence.

De Zerbi may restore senior players including Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali. Robertson’s return is likely to be an emotional occasion after he spent nine years at Liverpool between 2017 and 2026 before joining Tottenham as a free agent.

Pedro Porro missed the match against Everton with a muscle injury and is expected to be replaced at right-back by Archie Gray.

Liverpool predicted XI: Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Araujo, Endo, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Nyoni; Ngumoha, Koumas, Munoz; Gakpo.

Tottenham predicted XI: Kinsky; Gray, Van Hecke, Senesi, Robertson; Fernandes, Tonali; Kudus, Gallagher, Savio; Solanke.

Liverpool’s recent attacking problems could ease against a Tottenham defence expected to offer more space. The prediction is for a 3-1 Liverpool victory.

The listed selections are Liverpool to win at 1.78, more than 2.5 goals at 1.45 and Cody Gakpo to score at 2.70. The predicted 3-1 score is listed at odds of 10.50 with Betclic.

Liverpool’s recent form in all competitions is N-N-V-V-N. Tottenham’s EFL Cup form is V, while their overall form is D-V-D-N-N.